WRU bosses want to stay and create change

Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney and chair Richard Collier-Keywood are both on World Rugby's council

Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chair Richard Collier-Keywood and chief executive Abi Tierney say they are committed to their roles and driving through change.

Welsh rugby is in disarray on and off the field with the men's national side suffering 12 successive international defeats, the worst losing sequence in their 143-year history.

There is currently no Welsh women's coach in place following Ioan Cunningham's departure and a recent controversy about the manner of the contract negotiations with players.

A completed 'One Wales' strategy designed to give Welsh rugby a definitive five-year plan has been delayed as the WRU and regions continue to negotiate a fresh financial deal.

Collier-Keywood was appointed as the first WRU independent chair in July 2023, while Tierney officially took up her role in January 2024.

"We both feel it's a privilege to do these roles," said Collier-Keywood.

"One of the reasons the committee chose me, and I together with others chose Abi, is because we're both resilient people.

"We never believed it would be easy. We're committed to going through with this."

'No regrets'

Tierney says she is willing to make "difficult decisions".

"Someone asked me recently if I am the best person for this job," said Tierney.

"That's what you ask yourself. Do you believe you can make a difference and improve it? I absolutely believe I can.

"A lot of the things I'm working with colleagues to improve have been systemic issues for a long time and [are] not going to change overnight.

"There are tough days and you look at yourself in the mirror. But every morning I wake up and feel this is a privilege. I love doing it and have no regrets."

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has received significant public criticism recently but some club representatives at Sunday's three-hour WRU annual general meeting suggested other figures within the organisation must be scrutinised.

Nigel Walker's position as executive director of rugby has also been debated among Welsh fans on social media.

This follows the two national sides achieving a combined four wins in 21 games this year, while also considering Walker's role in the Wales women's contracts controversy.

Tierney is overseeing a review into the performance of the men's national side this autumn with all aspects of the elite programme evaluated.

When asked whether there was full confidence in Walker, Tierney replied: "This review will look at all aspects of how we run performance.

"We will be looking at every aspect of that and Nigel and I are constantly having those conversations and that will come out in the review.

"We are all accountable, this has happened on all of our watches. We have to be responsible as we work our way through this."

Collier-Keywood also stated he would "be open" to suggestions Gatland could be moved to a director of rugby role but would wait for the review findings.

Strategy update

When she started in the job, Tierney stated she wanted to put in place a long-term Welsh rugby strategy by June 2024.

A slimmed down, bullet-point presentation was launched last summer but the full implementation has been delayed as the WRU continue to negotiate with the regions.

Tierney says she has had to try to overcome past mistrust between the two parties.

"There has been a feeling in the past we have done things at the expense of the regions in support of the national team," said Tierney.

"Some of the investments the WRU have made, the regions have felt should have been invested in them.

"You also have four clubs with different histories and owners. I underestimated what it is like when you are trying to get all four to move at the same pace at the same time.

"Just when you think you have an agreement on one thing, another thing comes along, so trying to get five entities to agree takes time."

So when can we expect a new deal?

"We are talking every day, it feels collaborative and we are going in the same direction," said Tierney.

"We are very close but time is not on our side because we want to be able to confirm the additional funding to potentially bring in new players for next season.

"To hit our strategic goals for 2027, we need those arrangements in place as well. I am hopeful and optimistic it will be before Christmas, about 90% of it is there."

Stake concerns

One of the sticking points has been the WRU seeking a stake in the four professional sides, with the governing body preparing to take on the Covid loan debt from the Welsh government.

That originally totalled £20m with Cardiff, Dragons, Scarlets and Ospreys initially saddled with the repayments.

Regional fans have concerns about the WRU being involved directly in each team's business, with fears the governing body would seek further control.

Tierney confirmed publicly the WRU is seeking some official input into the regions, but says her organisation are not trying to take over.

"It's been one of the things that has rightly made the clubs cautious in this process," said Tierney.

"The collaboration interest we are seeking are in terms of squad composition, minutes played and set-ups.

"This isn't a takeover or moving to the Irish model. We need to collaborate on a system that will give us the outcomes we need and benefit the regional clubs and national team."

And Tierney dismisses headlines claiming that would amount to Gatland running the clubs.

"It's important the four clubs remain independent and have their ability to be entrepreneurial.

"Hopefully fans see what it means in practice and won't be worried about the WRU."

Tierney says regional budgets are due to rise gradually next season from this campaign's sum of £4.5m, with the squads having a spend of around £6.5m a season in three years' time.

The chief executive also reaffirmed the WRU commitment to keeping four professional sides in Wales and that the prospect of an Anglo-Welsh league was currently off the table, saying English clubs had voted against the proposal.